Marilyn Iule, Zuni
Sterling Silver and
Turquoise Cross Pendant
HK Item #NPC744

Paula says - "Marilyn Iule makes these crosses by hand and the turquoise stones in the cross you receive may vary slightly from the cross shown here."

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ABOUT the IULE FAMILY of SILVERSMITHS

Marilyn Iule is the wife of Wilbur Iule. Wilbur is the son of Horace Iule and Lupe Iule; brother of Cecilia Iule, Robert Iule, Barney Iule, Phillip Iule, and Ruby Lupe Leekity. Wilbur learn jewelery making from his parents Horace and Lupe. He has been actively making jewelry since the 1980s and is noted for cast work, nuggets, buckles and crosses.

The late Horace Iule (1901-1978) was well known for his crosses. Horace worked with his wife Lupe Iule, who was from San Felipe Pueblo. They were married in 1933, and had six children. Horace was taught blacksmithing at the Phoenix Indian School and silversmithing by his father. He later became a teacher of silversmithing at the Zuni Day School. In 1928, Horace created the knifewing figure in silver jewelry and he was perhaps the first master Zuni artisan. He has been described as versatile and skilled� and a master of many elements of construction techniques, including casting and wrought-works and lapidary. According to the Extension Service in 1932 "Horace is considered to be the best jewelry maker of his tribe and won first prize on a collection at the recent Inter-Tribal Ceremonial and Fair at Gallup NM."

Reference: American Indian Jewelry II: A-L 1800 Artist Biographies by Gregory and Angie Schaaf.

ABOUT TURQUOISE

Turquoise is associated with the sky, and bringing sky energy to earth. It is known as a master healer stone as it is believed to help speed the healing process. It is also thought that turquoise can help promote honest and clear communication from the heart.
Turquoise comes in all shades of blue, to blue-green and it is the natural variations in turquoise that make it appealing. The color of turquoise in American Indian jewelry ranges from brownish green to bright blue. Found in veins sandwiched in between layers of mother rock, turquoise can show some of the influence of the mother rock in its matrix or veining. The matrix colors range from blue to golden brown to black and sometimes with golden flecks. Many people prefer turquoise with matrix over clear stones. Read more about stones.

About Silver

100% solid silver won't tarnish but it is too soft to use for making jewelry - it could easily be scratched, dented and bent. Sterling silver has a small amount of one or more other metals usually copper, added to the silver. To be called sterling silver, the alloy must contain at least 92.5% pure silver. Sterling silver alloy is harder than pure silver but the added metals also can cause discoloration or tarnish.

Read more about silver.